The Fox Forum 
Our Vision

Unlocking the secrets of Britain's canids.

Britain's canids were once a cornerstone of ecological balance in the UK, but hunting, farming and industrialization have all contributed to the extinction of many of these important native species. The red fox, Vulpes vulpes crucigera (meaning 'cross bearer') is Britain's last remaining wild canid, yet it remains a wildly misunderstood animal.

At the British Canid Historical Society, we believe that a thorough understanding of our relationship with wild canids in the British Isles is vital for the safeguarding of today's ecosystems, ensuring they remain viable for generations to come.
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In order to realize our vision, the Society strives to make our research and collections accessible to all. We aim to make a difference in our community, connecting with people in imaginative and intellectual ways. Our work will develop a greater public understanding of Britain's canids and how best to safeguard their future.

As a growing society focused on learning and engagement, we strive to enhance the understanding of our nation’s past and its connection to the present, providing a forum for discussion and debate and serving multiple communities, through local and national campaigns.

Research on Extinct Species

There were three reported subspecies of fox present in the UK until the late 1800s, when overhunting saw the mass extinction of many species globally.

The Society aims to utilize modern genetic technology and information to confirm the hypothesis that these species are in fact, extinct in the UK.

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Research on Current Populations

Modern genetic technology has recently been able to identify that the North American red fox (once farmed in the UK) is a divergent species of red fox.

The Society aims to test the hypothesis that hybridisation has occurred between the divergent species and the native species of red fox in the UK.
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Building the Collection

With the attitude to fur and fur products changing, the Society feels it is important that the lessons learnt are not forgotten to be repeated.

The Society aims to collect and safeguard historical artifacts and knowledge to demonstrate how the persecution of the nations wild canids was ultimately detrimental for humanity and the native ecology.
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The Society believes that historical understanding is critical to creating a better world and we welcome everyone to contribute and draw upon our collections, in order to encourage a richer understanding of our past.

We strive use our resources to educate, connect, and inspire in order to build empathy for our natural world, foster civic responsibility and to generate an awareness of and respect for, our shared natural community.

Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to providing access, embracing diversity and by demonstrating quality.

Meet the Curators

The British Canid Historical Society was established in 2021 by author of The Red Paper: Canids, Terry Hooper-Scharf, with the assistance of animal experts Louise Sherrington and Hayley de Ronde.

Louise Sherrington

Manager of Acquisitions & Collections

Animal lover and Forum Admin Louise, is passionate about canid preservation. Having previously rehabilitated foxes for welfare organizations, she is dedicated to unravelling the complicated history of Britain's precious canids.

Terry Hooper-Scharf

Society Director and Research Lead

Publisher and noted naturalist Terry, first began studying Britain's canids in 1977, through the Exotic Animals Register, where he acted as an exotic fauna consultant to UK police forces, advising on topics involving non-native mammals.

Hayley de Ronde

Manager of Research & Development

Animal health, welfare and behaviour specialist Hayley, is director of Black Foxes UK. Her interests are in zoobiquity, domestication and behavioural ecology. Hayley is keen to uncover the secrets of Britain's fox population genetics.

Our Collaborators

The British Canid Historical Society is assisted by the contributions of our volunteers and collaborators. We appreciate their continued input and support.

Onyx Stewart (Urban Mongoose)

Independent Researcher

Email: Sparkybuddy@hotmail.com

Z. Webber (Wildlife rescue volunteer)

Wildlife PM Collection

Email: Undisclosed

Marc Baldwin (Wildlife Online)

Naturalist & Society Advisor

Email: Mail@wildlifeonline.me.uk
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